Gang Phantom
Chapter Seven
The Emotional Break Down
Christine had enjoyed her walk to her apartment. No one has ever walked her home at night, mush less a man to walk with her. And since it was Erik walking her, it made her even more happy. The night air was in a perfect temperature to her, it brought her closer to Erik without him knowing. She was glad for the cold at the moment. This was the only time she loved the cold weather at all. However her happiness had to come to an end when they reached to her apartment building and the thought of her father made it even worse. She wasn't going to let him know the fear of her father, though. She kept a poker face, gazing at the ground below her feet that tapped with each step she took. She wanted to stay with him longer and not going back 'Home'. However, she knew he must have better things to do with his time than to spend it walking her home. They stood in front of the door, facing each other, but not gazing at one another. Erik coughed through the awkwardness in the air, making some kind of noise to break the silence they were in. Christine spoke in soft voice, making small chat, prolonging his stay, but then he said good night to her quietly and she did the same to him. They stared each in the eye, reluctant to leave at the moment. Their eyes told something, but none of them knew what it meant to the other. Christine could feel a blush coming to her cheeks that were already red from the cold. Erik looked like he was about to say something to her for he opened his mouth and she waited patiently for him to speak, but he shook his head. Erik looked down and glanced back at her, nodding his head to her. He then walked away from her, leaving her there. She watched him leave until he disappear into the darkness of the night. The shadows that surrounded the alley way across from her apartment building.
She sighed to herself, shoulders slumping in disappointment. Why was she giving herself high hopes for something, anything, to happen with Erik? For Christ's sake, she only met him recently. She barely knew the man. He's probably feeling pity for her over what happened earlier today and that pity always ends at some point in time. There was people she had met over the years that felt that way then leave when they believe they gave her enough of that pity. Leaving her to fend for herself on another problem. It wasn't new to her. Christine became quiet use to it. That's why she never really talk to a lot of people. That's part of the reasons why she never told her best friend Meg and her mother. They were the only people who supported her, but they didn't know that. She didn't want them to leave her, they were the only family she ever have aside from her father. Her brown eyes traveled to the dark sky to look at the beautiful stars. They sparkled like diamonds on a ring or necklace. And shined brightly then the sun. It was beautiful out tonight, she thought, she wouldn't mind star gazing if it wasn't for the cold and her father waiting for her inside.
Christine turned to face the door and went inside. It wasn't really warm in the lobby than she would hoped for. There was a breeze over head that caused her to grow even more cold and shiver in her coat. Her eyes were on the ground not paying any mind to anything in the lounge that was empty and dark. Her small feet lead her to the elevator and pressed the up button. She waited for the elevator to come. She thought of Erik. She can dream of something more, right? He may not see her that way, that was fine with her. A lot of men never saw her that way, they only see her as a child or too innocent in their eyes. Too pure for them to touch. But she can dream about having a man wrap their arms around her to keep her warm and safe. The thought made her smile, but then she frowns when she comes back into reality. Yes, she can only dream about having a relationship with a man and nothing more. The doors slide open for her and she went inside. Her stomach turned sickly as the door shut closed, going up.
The elevator went up to the fifth floor, walking to her door. Her brown eyes still gazed at the ground, her shoulders tense in fear. The hallway was quiet, not even the sound of her feet were loud. The air up her was oddly warmer then downstairs. Maybe it's the fact that she became afraid and nervous to face her father. Her palms were sweating and her breathing became uneven. Her heart rate was beginning to race now. Christine glanced at the other doors in the hallway, wondering if there was people in there to hear what was happening behind that closed doors. She somewhat hoped for that. But deep down she knew that wasn't the case at all. Even if there were people in those other apartment, it's not like they would care enough to come over to see what is happening. Or call the police. Christine waited a few seconds before the green door, gathering all her strength to get through this. He was angry, that was for sure. She could feel it pass the door itself and made her tremble out of fear. Eyes burning holes on the wooden door so he could see her there to burn more holes to get to her soul.
Christine held her breath for a moment, fear in her eyes. She wanted to whimper out, however she kept quiet. Her hands placed itself on the knob. She then opened the door slowly with shaking hands, the door making a squealing out. She winced at it, not liking the sound. Upon opening it, she felt her father walking to her quickly. Rough hands grabbed her wrists, pulling her in forcefully. He had pushed her to a wall, a hand wrapped around the small throat. He slammed the door shut, not caring about the neighbors sleeping or listening in and glared at his only daughter's eyes. If they were even there, of course. Her small hands went to the hand that was in casing her throat, choking for air to breath. Nails dug in his hand creating red marks on the larger hand. He shouted at her, angry at her. His eyes said it all for her. Her very own father hated the existence of her. She began to tear up at this. This man was terrifying to her and she wanted to crawling to a hole and hide from him.
"Where were you?!" He shouted out. Eyes boring into her every soul. Christine choked more, moving her mouth so she could try to speak to him. She had to put pressure and push down so she can breath much more better. Tears streamed down her red cheeks. She was so scared of him that she began to tremble even more. Who was this man she had called father? She would sometimes ask herself. He was such a stranger to her in moments like this. Christine squirmed under his strong glare, whimpering out. His brown eyes were narrowed, eye brows doing the same action. Teeth gritting together as he huffed out air through his nose. His face was red in anger, and she was sure that her face was turning red as well.
"I was at work, daddy." She whispered, not being able to speak any louder to him. Her eyes closed shut tightly. His hand started to squeeze around her throat, choking her more. She coughed now, desperately wanting air. Her lungs began to burn and her face began to turn deeper red, almost purple. Her father didn't seem to care about that, but then she saw his eyes widen a bit. His mouth opened wide, trembling. It was as if he saw something that frighten him, like a ghost or monster. It spooked him to his bones and he began to have trouble breathing. It choked in his throat. Slowly, his hand released her neck and dropped her to the ground. She coughed roughly and was grabbing as much air as she could into her lungs. She was on her hands and knees, her head down to the ground as she breathed heavily. The father walked backwards, looking at the hand he choked Christine with. It shook violently. He hit a wall and slide down to the ground, knocking down a picture down. It shattered into pieces. It was the picture of her, her father, and her mother. They were all smiling to the camera, life perfect s it was. Christine watched her father from a side glance, fearing of what he might do. She saw both of his hands went to cover his face, mumbling something under his breath. Tears fell down onto his cheeks, dropping to the floor. He sobbed out in terror, mumbling more loudly now.
Christine watched him, holding her neck to protect herself. Her brown eyes went in worry for her father. She did cared for him, even if he's horrible to her, he was the only other family she had. He cried, his body shaking, rocking back and forth, back and forth. He looked like a small child that lost something important. She just sat there just watching him, not knowing what to do. What was she suppose to do? She wasn't use to this situation at all. Her father never cried in front of her. not even once. For him to break down so suddenly in front of her both frighten her and confused her. "Maya." He then whispered out. It felt like her heart just shattered again after mending it back together, scattering on the ground. Christine then couldn't hold back, she crawled to her father slowly, putting an arm around him. She wanted to cry, but knew better. Maya was the name of her mother, the name of his wife. When Christine hugged him, however, he threw her off of him. Christine landed on her butt as he glared at her. She grunted in pain when she landed away from her father. She saw conflict in his eyes when they met. He was fighting something in him. What was he fighting? Why was he fighting? Christine felt confused at this, but she kept quiet, hands folding over herself to protect herself. Then he stood up and walked away, like nothing happened in the hallway. This was the first time she saw him break down emotionally. The first time to ever see him cry like this. Christine looked down at the ground. What was she to do now? What will she do? Christine just stayed there all night, crying out in pain. Christine curled up in a ball crying to herself.
Erik heard a knock faintly as he started to wake up. His mind wondered if it was in his dream or real. His head rolling left to right, as he stood between the line of slumber and awakening. It was far away, but he could still hear it. He turned over, groaning in annoyance. Dream or not it was an annoying sound all together. He moved on his bed, feeling himself going back to sleep. Erik got comfy and was about to nod off again. The knocking came again, only this time it was quicken and was louder then before. And it also didn't stop. Erik growled under his breath more annoyed then ever. Now he knew it wasn't in his dream and that it was actually happening. Erik groaned to himself, putting a pillow over his head, trying to black the noise. It didn't do much good for him at all. Who was up at this time anyways? Who needed him in urgency?
"Boss! Wake up! We need you right now." He heard a familiar voice call out to him. Erik sighed at this now more awake then earlier and got out of bed. Slowly, Erik sat up in his bed, stretching out is toned body. Cracking of bones were heard, making him cringe, but sighed in relief. He checked to see his mask was still on or in place, not wanting to scare whoever was on the other side of the door. Then he stood up, the blanket sliding off as he went reveling his boxers, walking over to the edge of his bed post where he had his robe hung. He grabbed it and put it on as quick as he could. He was still quiet tired still. His eyes felt heavy and wanted to close themselves as he walked. It was silky and dyed black, his favorite color. He put it on, tying the the strings together so the rob would cover him from eyes. The more time he took the more knocking came. He growled under his breath frustration washing over him.
"I'm coming, I'm coming." Erik said loud enough for them to hear, growling out afterwards. It stopped when hearing his voice. They were afraid of his wrath when waking up more then anything else in the world. No one dared enter his room during the morning unless it was for emergency with his or another gang. Erik rubbed his eyes a bit to try to get himself awake more before opening the door. He went to the door, and opened it only to find two worried men. One was Matty, he was worried yet angry at the same time. His eyes glaring and a frown forming on his face. He was a mess, like he just came back from a party and hadn't taken a shower yet. The skin was turning a bit red from rage. Erik became worried that his old friend came like this. He rarely saw his friend like this and when he did he knew not to push any buttons. He remembered what happened the first time he did and almost had to go to the hospital. Matty was just as scary as Erik close second. But the thing is, only a few things got Matty angry. Erik can only think just those few as to why he was boiling at this moment. Erik doubt it was that though. Next to Matty was James, worried, but fearful. His hands fidget with one another, his gaze not meeting Erik's. Erik was wondering what was wrong with them. The two acted strange. "Gentlemen?" He questioned. His eyes narrowed wondering if something terrible happened.
"The leaded of French gang is here for a 'Meeting'." Matty told him, rage in his voice. Erik could feel his blood begin to boil now at the mention of the gang. Erik was right. Erik breathed in heavily with the thought of the man. What did he want now? Why was he here of all times? Erik quickly went out of his room, going pass Matty and James, to go to the second living area. The two followed him, but then stopped at the open door. The mask man paused at the door his rage almost coming out in a scream. There stood the man he despised deep in his bones. He had dirty blond hair that stopped at his shoulders, combed back from his face. He looked around with his hazel eyes at the room to get every detail of the room while he waited for Erik to come in. He stood next the table that was placed in the middle of the room. It was wooden and polished to shine under the light on the ceiling. There was a hand placed on the wooden surface to balance him. The carpet was red under their feet and the walls were brown that surrounded the two men. There was different paintings on each wall to make the room more lively. There was a fire place behind the table that was lit up to keep the house warm through the winter. It danced on its own, swaying from right to left and then quickly straighten to repeat the movements. There was an area where you can pour yourself a drink during a meeting in the corner near the fire place. There was all kinds of alcohol from different countries. Erik stood at the open door way, fists shaking at his sides. Why was he here?
"What do you want, Rhoul?" Erik spat out, getting straight to the point. Rhoul turned around at hearing Erik's voice. He smiled at him, and gave an airy laugh. Hands going behind his back walking closer to Erik. Then he stopped at hearing a low growl from the masked man. Rhoul gave a pout at this to Erik.
"Erik, long time no see." Rhoul said, stuffing his hands in his pockets walking around the fairly large room. Erik walked in standing near the table waiting for him to answer, only to have none. Erik gritted his teeth at the french man.
"Answer the damn question bastard." Erik demanded him. Rhoul only shook his head at him, sighing in disappointment. He pouted again to Erik.
"Why are you rushing things, Erik? It's been a while since we last saw each other. I thought we could catch up before this meeting starts." Rhoul went to the drinks, pouring himself a glass of champagne. Erik growled at him, eyes glaring into Rhoul's back. If only looks could kill, Rhoul would be gone a long time ago.
"I could care less about happens in your life." Rhoul laughed at this. He really knew how to push Erik's buttons well.
"So, what has been going on lately? Anything new with the group? Or did you meet anyone new?" Rhoul asked ignoring his statement. Erik stayed silent, not liking where this conversation was going. His eyes narrowed as the french man who was walking around the room, holding his glass up, taking small sips. Rhoul's hazel eyes roamed the painting on one of the walls, grinning from ear to ear. Erik really didn't like where this was going. Rhoul was planning something, but what? What is he planning this time?
"Well, unlike you who is an early bird. I'm those people who likes to sleep in late, so get straight to the point Rhoul." Erik said. Rhoul chuckled at this now. All these years and he still haven't changed. Rhoul gave him a side glance seeing Erik calming down more and studying him silently. His blue-green eyes watching his every move that he made, trying to read his thoughts.
"It seems you haven't changed a bit, Erik." He commented Erik. A growl was Rhoul's reply. "I just came to tell you that heard about the incident yesterday. One of my men said that you came and beat them to a bloody pulp, well except for one." Rhoul said. The french man turned around to gaze at the masked man. They stared at each other's eyes, but Rhoul knew what he was doing to Erik. He knew how to press the right buttons. Erik folded his arms, looking away from him, keeping calm. He didn't need to lose control. He had to keep his head clear of any emotions. So he'll know what to do.
"Yes, if it wasn't for the fact that they were in our territory, then maybe they wouldn't been injured badly." Rhoul smirked at him.
"And I do apologize for that. My men never learned the boundaries well." Rhoul said. "But my men did tell me about this girl that they found." Rhoul spoke, causing Erik to freeze, eyes widen a bit. Oh no, it's not going there, is it? Did Rhoul know about Christine? Erik gritted his teeth at this. "He described her features for me and couldn't help but think about a certain young girl that you knew so well in the past." Rhoul said. "What was her name, Ruth, Robin,..." Rhoul trailed. His free hand tapped his chin, deep in thought to remember the girl's name. Erik felt his heart breaking inside at thinking about her. That night, that moment. It hunted him in his sleep, it hunted him in his mind all day, every single day. Rhoul noticed the change in Erik's mood, and smirked at this. He got him in his trap.
"Roesy." Erik whispered out, looking at the ground. His hands turned into fists, shaking violently at his sides. His shoulders went tense and he tired to hold back his tears. He wasn't going to let Rhoul get what he wants. Never again.
"Ah, that's right, Roesy." Rhoul snapped his fingers. He laughed now walking up to Erik, setting the glass on the table. "I will have her Erik. Just like last time." Rhoul said. Erik glared at him. No, not again.
"Over my dead body." Erik said in a low tone. It was a tone that he would kill. A tone that everyone was afraid to hear. But with Rhoul, it was just another annoying sound to him. Rhoul smirked at this, then he walked out the room, leaving Erik to think deeply at what to do. Erik could hear the screams and the shouts. He had to close his eyes tightly, ridding these memories away from his mind. Now wasn't the time to think about that. He needed to protect Christine. Before Rhoul left the room, Erik hear him say this to him.
"Well, as long as she stays on your territory than nothing will happen to her, but once her foot crosses that line, she is ours to take." Rhoul then fully left the room. Erik felt tears in his eyes about to break a dam. No, that was not going to happen. Not again.
Rhoul walked out the room, grinning to himself. Now all he had t do was just wait till he broke down under the pressure and everything about Erik will be gone, finally. Rhoul chuckled at the thought. Then he was stopped by Matty who had his arms crossed and arms folded. Rhoul just blinked at him, uncaring. Matty had his eyes narrowed, cutting knifes into Rhoul's soul. "You will not touch that girl. I'll stop you if it's the last thing I do." Matty said, growling at him. Rhoul only laughed at him about to walk around him. Matty placed his hand on the dirty blond's chest, stopping him again. "I'm serious. Erik is not the only one who will protect this girl. And you do dare try to lay a hand on a innocent girl, there will be hell to pay. Gottit?!" Matty said in a low dangerous voice. He could feel anger rising in him more when Rhoul just shook his head and continued on his way out. He heard Erik walking out as well and stood beside him.
"It's not going to happen again." Erik muttered out. Matty just grunted at this, gritting his teeth. He remembered what happened as well. He didn't want to see Erik hurt like that ever again. He just now started to like himself again and then Rhoul came back to only try to ruin Erik's life again. Matty fumed at this. That french bastard.
Then Erik walked away going to his room. Matty watched him silently as the door slammed closed. After a few minutes, Erik came out fully dressed. A hat in his hand ready to put it on his head. Matty smiled at this knowing what he was going to do. "Out watch?" Matty asked him.
"I have to, Matty boy." Erik fixed the collar of his coat and walked up to Matty and patted him on the shoulder. "I will try to stop it no matter what." Matty nodded his head at him. Matty then gave his best friend a hug, patting his back in comfort .
"He won't, sure promise ya that." Erik smiled at this, thankful having a friend like him. Erik pulled away and headed down stairs going to find Christine. Matty thought as his eyes gazed own at the wooden floor. He knew who else that can help out. He nodded his head at the plan and grabbed his coat. He walked out the house, heading up northwest to where he lived in the city.
A/N: I bet you were wondering where Rhoul was? If not then here he is now. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. This chapter drained me a bit emotionally. But not as much as the first chapter. Well, enjoy the next chapter as well. ^.^
